Perfect PSG wait on Zlatan, di Maria

Paris Saint-Germain come calling on bottom-club Montpellier on Friday intent on retaining their perfect start to the new Ligue 1 season as injured duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel di Maria approach full fitness.

Laurent Blanc's reigning French champions haven't put a foot wrong in their pursuit of a fourth straight league trophy so far.

Their championship run began in 2013 when they succeeded the team they face on Friday as title-holders.

A rare season-opening success over Lille followed by last weekend's 2-0 defeat of Corsican newcomers Gazelac Ajaccio has left PSG in familiar surroundings, on top of the pile, in company with Reims and Caen.

The big question mark for PSG fans, and Montpellier, is whether Ibrahimovic and di Maria will figure on Friday.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic has missed out on the opening skirmishes with a right knee sprain. He took part in training on Wednesday but is by no means certain to be judged fit enough to line up.

Similar doubts hang over the participation of Argentina winger di Maria.
The 63 million-euro (£44.3m; $68.9m) signing from Manchester United was introduced to the Paris fans before kick-off at the Parc des Princes last weekend, but was not fit enough to make his debut.

Di Maria continues his race for full fitness after coming away from Argentina's defeat to hosts Chile in the Copa America final with a thigh injury.

Blanc said on Thursday both players were getting close to playing.

"Angel's had muscular problems, we have to be careful with him.

"He's worked well over the past fortnight. Yesterday's training session was very satisfying because he really got into the game.

"He is very close to a place in the team. You'll see whether that's tomorrow or more likely against Monaco (on August 30)."

Turning to Ibrahimovic Blanc added: "Ibra trained yesterday but he's lacking match fitness and I think (Montpellier) is a bit too soon for him to actually start."

PSG have nothing to fear from recent history with Montpellier's last home win over the capital club back in 2003.

While the glory days of 2012 may seem a long way off Montpellier, under charismatic coach Rolland Courbis, took a respectable seventh place last term.
They owe their position at the foot of the table on two defeats, to Rennes and Angers.

The strain of their poor start appears to be taking its toll with Montpellier president Louis Nicollin questioning coach Courbis's pre-season preparations.

"I adore Courbis but his notion of not playing any friendly games concerns me as I'd predicted (a bad start). Now I don't know when it's going to stop. I'm scared."

Courbis responded: "I read what he (Nicollin) had to say, I found what he said hard, but it's logical he's not happy.

"If we're going to trouble PSG we have to all remain solid."

Monaco, who are up against it to make the Chamnpions League group phase after a first leg 3-1 play-off loss to Valencia in midweek, are in action on Saturday at Toulouse.

In other games Lyon, who ran Monaco closest last term, host Rennes, Reims are on the road at Nantes while Caen make the long trip south to Nice.

Marseille, under new Spanish coach Michel, are in action against Troyes on Sunday.

Fixtures

Friday

Montpellier v Paris Saint-Germain

Saturday

Lyon v Rennes, Nice v Caen, Nantes v Reims, Bastia v Guingamp, Toulouse v Monaco, Gazelac Ajaccio v Angers

Sunday

Lille v Bordeaux, Lorient v Saint-Etienne, Marseille v Troyes
Source: AFP